U.S. Navy to Begin Strait of Hormuz Blockade Monday: Global Oil Markets Brace for Impact

President Donald Trump has officially ordered the United States Navy to initiate a full naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz starting Monday, April 13, at 10:00 AM ET. The move follows the collapse of ceasefire negotiations in Islamabad and aims to halt all Iranian oil exports. Global energy markets are already reacting as tankers reroute to avoid the strategic chokepoint.  

Escalation in the Persian Gulf: The 10:00 AM Deadline

The geopolitical landscape shifted dramatically Sunday morning when President Trump announced via Truth Social and a Fox News interview that the “Finest Navy in the World” would begin blockading ships entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz.  

“We have a blockade going into effect, that’ll be 10:00 tomorrow,” Trump stated. “Other nations are working so that Iran will not be able to sell oil. And that will be very effective.”  

This action marks the most significant military escalation in the region in decades, effectively cutting off a waterway that handles roughly one-third of the world’s seaborne-traded oil.  

International Reactions and Economic Fallout

While the U.S. administration claims a coalition of nations is supporting the effort, the immediate impact on the global energy crisis is a primary concern for economists.  

Crude Oil Prices: Analysts predict a sharp spike in Brent and WTI futures as the Monday deadline approaches.  

Maritime Rerouting: Shipping giants are reportedly directing tankers away from the Gulf, with many heading toward U.S. ports to “fill up” and bypass the conflict zone entirely.  

Iranian Response: Tehran’s Revolutionary Guard has countered, stating the strait remains under their “full control” and warning of a “forceful response” to any military interference.  

Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters

The Strait of Hormuz is the world’s most important oil chokepoint. A blockade here doesn’t just affect Iran; it impacts the transit of oil from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Iraq.

Rédactrice Claire